Power Cos. Help 2003 Electricity Helicopter Appeal

Press Release

For Immediate Release
Friday, 24th October 2003

[Whangarei] - Northpower and Top Energy, the two lines companies for Northland, have announced the start of a 6-week intensive campaign to encourage the public to support the 2003 Electricity Helicopter Appeal.

Mark Gatland, Chief Executive of Northpower, said “Northland has an extremely effective air rescue service backed up by the support of the community, and we continue to facilitate this. During the last 12 months the Electricity Rescue Helicopter has attended 405 emergencies in Northland, and saved the lives of many people”.

The theme of this years appeal is “Every minute counts, So does every dollar” and next week a full colour news broadsheet will reach Northland homes and businesses with information about the service and some of the people whose lives have been affected by the Electricity Helicopter. The broadsheet will have a deposit slip for donations that can be free posted back, or taken to any Northland ASB bank.

Following on from this will be two official donation envelopes delivered in November to letterboxes and PO boxes in the district. Donations can be returned with either a cheque or credit card details in the postage paid return envelope provided. Alternatively there is also a 0900 RESCUE number for an instant $20 donation via your telephone account available.

This Appeal target is again set at $150,000, and money raised will go directly to the Northland Emergency Services Trust, to help meet ‘standing costs’ of operating the Electricity Rescue Helicopter service, including such things as pilots’ wages, insurance, interest on loans and flight crew training. All donations go directly to the Electricity Helicopter as Northpower and Top Energy pay the total costs of running the appeal.

“Together as Northlanders we need to show our support for our local air rescue service. Northpower’s experience is that the Appeal can only be successful if the public recognises the value of the Electricity Helicopter in the air over Northland” said Mr Gatland.

Sponsors, Northpower and Top Energy, appreciate the support from local media who together are helping make the annual appeal a success.

© Scoop Media